Volkswagen and Skoda delays anticipated as chip shortage hits Golf, Tiguan, Touareg and Kamiq

Volkswagen has warned of delays for some of its most popular models as the impact of the global semi-conductor shortage continues to hit at production volumes for most car manufacturers.

It said it wanted to make customers aware of the potential delays and has pointed to its dealers and online stock locators to help locate a vehicle.

VW said it had been hit by the semi-conductor (chip) supply problems, particularly for Golf, Tiguan and Touareg.

Just to show how seemingly minor components can hold up a production line, the right-hand-drive Golf 8 build has slowed down because of the chips needed in the Harman Kardon audio system and those in the dual-clutch transmission (DSG) of the Golf GTI.

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The chip issue is also specific. VW said the Tiguan 110TSI and 132TSI variants are not affected, including those with the Luxury Package, but there are delays in delivery of the upmarket — and popular — R-Line models (162TSI and the new 147TDI).

Tiguan R-Line production is being compromised by the chips needed for the DSG, but goes further because there is difficulty getting supply of the specific leather needed for the R-Line upholstery.

In a statement, Volkswagen Group Australia said it “assures customers that outstanding orders will be prioritised before new orders are accepted”.

Then there’s the Touareg 210TDI that has been hit by an eight-week delay caused by components for its ‘Innovision’ cockpit.

The Amarok has been held up but Volkswagen said a large volume of stock is arriving later this month and early in July.

In the bad news department, the Crafter 35 won’t be delivered until early 2022 because of poor chip supply but also because of a big demand in Europe for the variant. The Crafter 50 is delayed with delivery expected later this year.

Demand has also slowed availability of the Transporter and VGA has undertaken to boost supply.

But there is a “secure supply” of Polo, T-Cross, T-Roc, Tiguan Allspace (seven-seater), Passat and flagship Arteon.

Skoda buyers should also use the online stock locator found on the brand’s website as a guide to what vehicles are available.

At the moment, the Kamiq 85TSI variant is not available again for order until later this year, so the company will introduce a new Kamiq 110TSI Ambition.

Volkswagen Group Australia’s managing director Michael Bartsch said the delays were a “fact of life for European importers”.

“While certain of our popular variants are temporarily in short supply, VGA is in a position to offer customers an array of choices,” he said.

“The situation is subject to rapid change. We are in daily contact with head offices to seek means of improving the supply of affected variants.”